Outside Interactive, Inc. Launches Major Web3 Initiative

Outside Interactive, Inc., the world’s leading outdoor-focused tech company, unveiled plans for the Outerverse, an adventure-minded, wellness-driven alternative to the Metaverse. The Outerverse represents the first comprehensive foray into Web3 technology by a major consumer media company. Unfolding over the course of 2022, the platform will consist of three primary parts: an NFT marketplace (Outside.io), a community-oriented creator platform, and an Outside-branded loyalty token. All of the elements will be built in partnership with blockchain innovator SuperLayer.io.

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“The emergence of NFTs, cryptocurrency, and Web3 systems is a game-changing development for media”

“The emergence of NFTs, cryptocurrency, and Web3 systems is a game-changing development for media,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside. “Our vision is really bold: We want to harness these new technologies to get the next generation of adventurers outdoors, and we want to infuse blockchain culture with the values that our followers hold dear. Big Tech wants you to live a virtual life; we’re creating experiences and content that will help you live a real life. The Outerverse is a place where technology exists to fuel adventure, inclusivity, and sustainability.”

Phase one launches in early June with the release of a limited-edition NFT called the Outerverse Passport. Starting today, followers can register at Outside.io to get notified when they can purchase the passport, a unique piece of digital art that comes with real-world benefits along with early access to NFT mintings from Outside as well as dozens of well-known influencers, brands, and nonprofit partners. Following this initial minting, Outside will be collaborating with a variety of artists to produce collectibles that celebrate our audience’s favorite athletes, destinations, and races, with a significant portion of the proceeds going to grassroots organizations working on sustainability and DEI.

This commitment to inclusivity and sustainability is reflected in every aspect of the initiative. The Outerverse will be built on the Solana blockchain, whose proof-of-stake approach dramatically lowers its footprint compared to well-known competitors (one Solana transaction uses approximately the same energy as two Google searches). Outside will also calculate, report, and neutralize 100% of the footprint of the Outerverse – in addition to actions it’s already taken to make the entire company carbon-neutral by the end of 2026. And 20% of the net revenue from the sale of every new NFT will be distributed to a select group of nonprofit partners.

“The NFT initiative is just the first milestone in a roadmap that will redefine many aspects of our business,” said Thurston. “The Outerverse will also feature a platform that will enable creators to publish content to very large audiences and directly benefit from the engagement and revenue they drive. It will be a home for the world’s best storytellers and artists, with more than 10 well-known creators and athletes already on board to co-create and co-own this new ecosystem.” Additionally, Outside has partners including a variety of nonprofits, influencers and innovative brands from the outdoor, cycling, running, and wellness industries. Over the next 12 months, each of these partners will mint NFT projects on the Outside.io platform with artwork developed from their portfolios, with the same share of net revenue going to charity.

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Outside’s technology partner is Superlayer.io, a team of experienced Web3 builders that will guide the creation of the Outerverse platforms and token economy. According to managing partner Kevin Chou, a founder with multiple successful Web3 businesses, “This initiative truly merges an innovative technology with new thinking about how to build community, reward creators more equitably, and create fun, benefit-enhanced NFTs that inspire people to get outside and stay active.”